Restoring Honor and Dignity

[S] Romans 12:10 --
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;

[O] Brotherly love is so critical in this society in or out of Christian community because that is the glue which holds us together.  When we lack the brotherly love, then it will lead to everyone looking out for themselves only and the community cannot be established.  Brotherly love begins by giving each other preference in honor.  I feel that the honor and dignity is a lost art these days and hope that the believers would set good examples of restoring that art.

[A] In 2012, prayerfully work towards having more and more Brothers and Sisters in Christ in our small groups to give preference to one another in honor.

[P] Dear Father, please let our church community overflow with brotherly love for one another as we continue to devote ourselves to Your word in 2012.  May Your Spirit shower upon us and lead us into restoring honor and dignity in the midst of us.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

King's Mule is More Than a Mule

[S] 1 Kings 1:43-44 --
43 But Jonathan replied to Adonijah, "No! Our lord King David has made Solomon king. 44 "The king has also sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites; and they have made him ride on the king’s mule.

[O] The power of King's throne is displayed here when King David anoints his son Solomon as the king while Adoniajah was scheming to make himself the king.  When the people heard this news, they were fearful to associate with Adoniajah because the new king has been announced by King David and even Adoniajah himself was afraid of Solomon.  In this display of the royal power I can't help but to notice the mention of king's mule because it signified the approval of the king.  When did mules used for such a prestigious position?  For me the image of mules is about carrying heavy load up the mountain or to a distant location.  Although they strong, they are not fast or good looking like horses.  Nevertheless, when such an animal is known as the king's mule, it carries the king's authority.  As I was reflecting on this, I associated with the mule merely because it's not what I do for God that is so fabulous but rather God's amazing strength and authority abiding in my life shining through me will put me in a position of strength and authority.

[A] As even a mule is used to display the power and authority of a king, not what I do but how the Heavenly King labeling me as His own should be sufficient for me to take part in His ministry.  Nothing of my doing but all of His doing will shine through.

[P] Dear Father, it's so good to know that I carry Your Name by receiving what Jesus did at Calvary.  Even though I seek other people's recognition, I'm no better than a mule.  However because of Your Name engraved in my life, I am significant.  Thank You for making my life significant in this world.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Life of Dignity

[S] Titus 2:6-8 --
 ⁶Likewise urge the young men to be sensible;
 ⁷in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified,
 ⁸sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

[O] Having teenagers at home I can completely understand this statement of how important teaching the younger generation to have dignity.  I guess I've been there myself but in those years they go through the "I know it all" phases and are eager to try new things without getting influenced by the "traditional" mindsets of their parents generation.  This is a good thing as they are setting themselves up for innovation and creativity to do greater things but they must also grasp the idea that certain values in life do not really change such as doing good deeds, honesty, and dignity and they must not try to alter the fundamentals of these values because it will be a waste of time and energy as they will never change.

Across all cultures using different languages I believe there is one common thread in most of them which is the people of dignity and sound speech are respected.  In fact, we as believers must take on this mindset also where because of the aroma of  our lives around others, they have nothing bad to say about us.  This is a tall order but that's the standard of excellence God desires for us to pursue after.

[A] I need to show this by my own example in addition with God's wisdom to teach this point to my children.  They must realize sooner than later how important this will be in their lives even though they do not understand it yet.

[P] Dear God, please allow Your wisdom to funnel through my life to teach my children the principles of godly living starting with pursuing after a life of dignity.  Thank You for giving me a father who's gone ahead of me to show me how such a life can be lived out.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.